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The 2026 NBA Draft saw 60 prospects hear their name called on the podium, but there are still plenty of talented players who could secure contracts with NBA teams as free agents.
The NBA does not have only 60 players enter the NBA every season, as the number fluctuates, with some draft picks never playing a game, while some undrafted free agents become stars in their roles.
Recent years have led to undrafted gems such as Austin Reaves, Naji Marshall, and Naz Reid emerging as stars, and the 2026 Draft class might have players with similar potential.
The three best undrafted free agents for NBA teams to consider
One potentially valuable undrafted free agent is Elijah Mahi, a 22-year-old coming out of Santa Clara. His college teammate Allen Graves was a first-round pick, but Mahi will have to earn his place without a guaranteed roster spot.
Mahi is an athletic 3-and-D wing who progressively improved his scoring over college, finishing last season with 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.4 steals on 44.7% from the field.
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Nate Bittle is a center coming out of Oregon who could interest teams looking for solutions in the middle, with Bittle having a reported 7’5″ wingspan. He projects as a rim-protecting stretch five, a valuable archetype in the modern NBA, but requires some seasoning despite already being 22 years old.
It was a hard bet to use a pick on Bittle, but his skill-set is ultra-valuable today, especially in the Western Conference, so he is likely going to get a shot as at least a two-way player. He averaged 16.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 blocks in his senior season.
The third prospect here is Indiana forward Tucker DeVries, who is a 23-year-old redshirt senior that averaged 13.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.1 steals last season.
DeVries is a high-effort rebounder and a wing with size and floor-spacing ability. His offensive efficiency might not translate immediately, but DeVries should generate interest for a two-way contract.
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Two more 2026 NBA Draft prospects who could be impactful free agents
Illinois guard Kylan Boswell saw his backcourt partner, Keaton Wagler, get drafted No. 5 overall while going undrafted himself. Boswell is considered one of the top snubs of the draft, as the 6’2″ guard with a 6’7″ wingspan averaged 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists last season.
Boswell can be an instant defensive contributor and is a strong passer, but his lack of explosive athleticism and streaky shooting have created questions, which is why he went undrafted. However, he should receive some sort of NBA contract soon.
Wisconsin guard Nick Boyd was among the oldest players in the Draft, averaging 20.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in the Big 10. His production and on-court feel are perfect, but his age and lack of athleticism held him back from being drafted despite a strong Combine performance.
Read more:
- Every move Leon Rose made with the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Draft
- Skip Bayless claims the Knicks got the ‘steal’ of the NBA Draft in the second round
- How Mahershala Ali turning down D1 scholarship led to start of Steve Nash’s basketball career
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